Media releases

FLPA supports a national domestic violence scheme

The Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland (FLPA) has welcomed moves to introduce a national scheme for domestic and family violence orders (DVOs).

FLPA president Deborah Awyzio said establishing the national scheme – due to be introduced by 2013 – was an important step in streamlining domestic violence orders across all jurisdictions.

“The collaboration between state police ministers is a positive step towards a united front to domestic violence and sends a strong message that it will not be tolerated in our society,” Ms Awyzio said.

“This move will greatly cut down the paperwork required to register domestic violence orders across states and will give victims greater protection and peace of mind when travelling interstate.”

FLPA’s support comes in the wake of last Friday’s meeting of the Standing Council of Law and Justice (SCLJ) to consider draft legislation, following agreement earlier this month by police ministers to automatically recognise each others jurisdictions.

The States and Territories have agreed to work with the Commonwealth to finalise the legislation for approval by SCLJ in early 2012, with the aim of implementing the national scheme by early 2013.

Once enacted, the legislation will allow anyone protected by a DVO to move across state and territory borders to remain covered, instead of being required to register their DVO in a new jurisdiction to maintain protection.

“We are pleased that the government has recognized that national legislation is required to safeguard victims of domestic violence,” Ms Awyzio said.